Updated: DCPS Principal Reyes Gets Replaced At Spingarn Senior High

UPDATED: Wash. Post writer Bill Turque Confirms The Wash. Teacher's blog story: (click on link) "DCPS has confirmed Candi Peterson's weekend report in The Washington Teacher that Spingarn High School principal Blanca Reyes was replaced on Friday. No word yet on who will replace Washington. Lloyd Bryant will be the new assistant principal."

UPDATE ON SPINGARN'S TERMINATIONS

Gary Washington- Principal replacement at Spingarn Senior High School

So it seems that there is another new principal at Spingarn Senior High school which is located at 2500 Benning Road NE, Washington, DC 20001. All I know is that according to informants Spingarn's principal and assistant principal were terminated by Rhee and company this week. The administrative assistant, Ms. Gaither is now missing in action from the school. Inside sources are unclear if Ms. Gaither (pictured right) was fired or reassigned to the DCPS central office.

Insiders report that under the helm of new leader Principal Reyes the school was chaotic and she (Reyes) was frequently out of sight and in her office. Reyes is alleged to have had great difficulty in managing the school as well as had problems relating to the Spingarn staff and student body. Some report that Reyes' thick accent often made it difficult for students and staff to understand what she was saying.

It is reported that Gary Washington, formerly the principal of Choice Academy located at 1401 Brentwood Parkway, NE (202-673-8123) has been reassigned to take over Spingarn SHS. Blanca Reyes (pictured left) was the principal of Spingarn SHS. Morrall Thompson (pictured center) was the Assistant Principal and was reported to have been let go.

Confused yet by this game of musical chairs when it comes to replacing DCPS administrators. Well that's to be expected especially given that Rhee changes DC principals quite frequently.

Here's what folks are saying:

" Yes, Gary Washington will be the new principal at Spingarn High School. He didn't have any choice. Gary must take control and proceed on Monday with the staff, students and parents to gain order. Unfortunately, I didn't see any information about the ex-principal of Spingarn in the Washington Post. Rhee's new leader, Blanca Reyes from Spingarn High School was forced to leave Friday afternoon. Most likely former Principal Reyes will pop up somewhere else in DCPS like Noah Wepman, former CFO who is still working for DCPS on the ninth floor. These folks really don't get fired, they are hidden and protected. Rhee has failed again with another 'New Leader' who is clueless on how to manage an urban high school."

Posted by The Washington Teacher, featuring Candi Peterson - blogger in residence

Profiles in Courage: Spingarn High Protests & McKinley High Sits-in Over DC Teacher Layoffs

Today I received text messages and emails about the protest at Spingarn high school. Spingarn high school students protested early this morning and walked the long track down to the Wilson building to meet with elected leaders. On the opposite side of town, McKinley Senior high students staged a 'sit-in' in Room 150 while Principal David Pinder lost control of his students for a third day in a row. I have posted an anonymous email that I received about the Spingarn protest as well as pictures of both demonstrations.

"Candi – I was at Spingarn this morning, along with Robert Brannum, Nathan Saunders and Rev Hagler. There were about 100 students demonstrating in front of the building. They were chanting Save our teachers,” “No teachers, no school” and “Fire Chancellor Rhee.” They were excited but orderly. They sometimes crept out onto the street, but moved back when asked. Whenever a car going by honked in support, the kids went nuts. Here’s what some of their signs said:

- Bring our teachers back

- Our education is on the line

- 50 plus has been good for us

- A senior this year, a DC voter next year

About 9:45, the students went down to Benning Road where they could be seen by more people. They walked down Benning Road until it turned into H Street where they headed straight towards the District Building. Students were escorted the entire way by numerous members of the DC metropolitan police force. While I left before the students went into the District building, I couldn't help but think what a wonderful testimony to DC teachers."

Posted by The Washington Teacher, featuring Candi Peterson, blogger in residence